The Best Free Ride in Texas

Of all the things there are to do in Galveston riding the ferry between the east end of Galveston Island and Port Bolivar is my favorite.  I'm not sure what I like the most about it.  Maybe its the gulf breezes, even if it has a touch of diesel exhaust mixed with it.  Or it might be watching the big freighters coming in and out of the Houston ship channel.  Or maybe the occasional bunch of porpoises jumping ahead of the boat, maybe feeding  the gulls off the stern of the ferry.   Probably all of those and the biggest reason of all.  It's free!

A municipally owned ferry service was started in the early 1930's with two diesel powered ferries that held about 30 cars each.  In 1985 the Texas Highway Department took over.  They operate six diesel powered ferries 24 hours a day.  They are 185 feet long and  travel at 12 knots.  Each ferry  carries 52 standard size cars and 400 passengers.

Unless you have a lot of time or plan on continuing on State Highway 87, it is recommend that you go onboard as a passenger.  This is the easiest way to see the sites and not commit yourself to finding a place on Port Bolivar to turn around and getting to the back of the line of cars waiting to get on the return ferry and in the summer time lines can be long.

The highway department has made special provisions for walking passengers.  Follow the signs to the parking lot.  There are signs directing you to the walk on passenger boarding area.  

If you have children with you be sure and watch them closely especially until all the vehicles are spotted and the ferry leaves the dock.  Moving around the deck while vehicles are being spotted is the equivalent of playing in the street.  It is best to move up the stairway to the upper deck at least until the ferry is underway.  The cabin is air-conditioned and there are two public heads onboard.  (That's bathroom facilities for you landlubbers) They are adequate, that's about all I can say about that.

If you plan on feeding the Seagulls be sure and bring plenty of old bread.  Seagull feeding is limited to the stern (back) of the ferry.

Update (8/7/04)

My sources tell me that "Shirley's" has shuts doors for good.  (the big door not just that flimsy screen door)

Texas Bob